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121+ Debate Topics to Spark Discussion
- Teaching English
- James Prior
- No Comments
- Updated August 27, 2024
Explore 121 debate topics to ignite discussion. These thought-provoking topics cover education, ethics, technology, and more, perfect for sharpening critical thinking and argumentative skills.
Debating is an excellent way for you to sharpen your critical thinking skills and improve your ability to form logical arguments. Whether you’re in middle school, high school, or college, or are a student learning English, participating in debates can be both challenging and rewarding. The key is to pick a topic that is engaging, thought-provoking, and relevant.
Below, we’ll explore 121 debate topics categorized to help spark passionate discussions.
Table of Contents
Debate Topics
In this section, you’ll find a wide range of debate topics covering education, ethics, technology, and more. These topics are designed to challenge your thinking and spark engaging discussions. So, if you’re preparing for a class debate or writing an essay, these ideas will inspire you to explore different perspectives.
Education and School Policies
Are standardized tests an effective measure of student ability.
Standardized tests are common in education, but do they accurately reflect student knowledge?
Is It Possible to Achieve Gender Equality?
Gender equality is a fundamental goal. Is it possible to achieve, or are there too many barriers?
Is It Possible to Achieve Racial Equality?
Racial equality is an important goal. Is it possible to achieve, or are there too many obstacles?
Should College Athletes Be Paid?
College athletes bring in revenue, but should they be compensated beyond scholarships?
Should Schools Abolish Grading Systems?
Grading systems can be stressful for students. Should we abolish them in favor of alternative assessments?
Should Schools Ban Junk Food?
With childhood obesity on the rise, should schools take a stand against junk food, or does this infringe on personal choice?
Should Schools Eliminate Standardized Testing?
Standardized tests are a common measure of student ability, but should they be eliminated?
Should Schools Focus More on STEM Subjects?
STEM subjects are important for the future. Should schools prioritize them over other subjects?
Should Schools Have Armed Security?
School shootings are a tragic reality. Would armed security make schools safer or more dangerous?
Should Schools Implement Longer School Days?
Longer school days could improve learning outcomes, but would they also lead to burnout?
Should Schools Start Later in the Day?
Starting school later could benefit students’ sleep, but would it also disrupt family schedules?
Should Schools Teach Financial Literacy?
Many students graduate without understanding personal finance. Should schools prioritize financial education?
Should Schools Teach Sex Education?
Sex education can promote safe practices, but should it be the responsibility of schools?
Should We Ban the Use of Cell Phones in Schools?
Cell phones can be a distraction in schools. Should they be banned to improve focus and learning?
Environment and Sustainability
Are electric cars the future of transportation.
Electric cars are gaining popularity, but are they truly the solution to our transportation needs?
Should We Ban Plastic Bags?
Plastic bags are a significant environmental issue. Should we ban them to reduce pollution?
Should We Ban Plastic Cutlery?
Plastic cutlery contributes to pollution. Should we ban it to protect the environment?
Should We Ban Plastic Packaging?
Plastic packaging is a major source of waste. Should we ban it to protect the environment?
Should We Ban Plastic Straws?
Plastic straws contribute to ocean pollution. Should we ban them to protect marine life?
Should We Ban Single-Use Plastics?
Single-use plastics are a major environmental issue. Should they be banned to protect the planet?
Should We Prioritize Space Exploration?
With so many issues on Earth, should we invest in exploring space or focus on solving terrestrial problems?
Is Fast Food to Blame for Obesity?
Fast food is convenient and cheap, but is it also responsible for the obesity epidemic?
Is Veganism the Future of Food?
Veganism is growing in popularity, but is it a sustainable solution for feeding the world?
Health and Wellness
Is it better to eat organic food.
Organic food is often seen as healthier. Is it worth the higher cost compared to conventional food?
Should We Abolish Fast Food Restaurants?
Fast food is convenient, but should we ban it due to its negative impact on health?
Should We Ban Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks are popular but have health risks. Should their sale be restricted?
Should We Ban Junk Food Advertisements Targeted at Children?
Junk food advertisements target children, potentially leading to unhealthy eating habits. Should they be banned?
Should We Ban the Use of Artificial Sweeteners?
Artificial sweeteners are common in diet foods. Should we ban them due to health concerns?
Should We Implement Sugar Taxes?
Sugar taxes could reduce consumption and improve health. Should they be implemented?
Should We Legalize All Drugs?
The war on drugs has failed in many ways. Would legalizing drugs help or hurt society?
Should We Make Physical Education Mandatory?
Physical education is essential for health. Should it be mandatory in all schools?
Should We Prioritize Mental Health in Schools?
Mental health issues are rising among students. Should schools prioritize mental health support?
Should We Promote Vaccinations More Aggressively?
Vaccinations are essential for public health. Should we promote them more aggressively to ensure higher rates?
Law and Justice
Should we abolish grading systems in schools, should we abolish prisons.
Prisons are a fundamental part of the justice system, but should they be abolished in favor of alternative solutions?
Should We Ban the Death Penalty?
The death penalty is a controversial issue. Should it be banned altogether?
Should We Ban the Sale of Alcohol?
Alcohol has been banned before, with mixed results. Should we ban it again to reduce its negative impact?
Should We Ban the Sale of Cigarettes?
Cigarettes are harmful to health. Should we ban their sale to protect public health?
Should We Ban the Use of Drones?
Drones have many uses, but should their use be banned due to privacy and safety concerns?
Should We Implement Stricter Gun Control Laws?
Gun control is a hot-button issue. Would stricter laws reduce violence or infringe on personal freedoms?
Should We Legalize Euthanasia?
Euthanasia offers a way to end suffering, but should it be legal or is it a slippery slope?
Should We Rehabilitate or Punish Criminals?
The justice system has two main goals: punishment and rehabilitation. Which should be prioritized?
Society and Ethics
Are celebrity culture and influencers harmful to society.
Celebrities and influencers have a significant influence on society. Is this influence harmful or beneficial?
Is Censorship Ever Justified?
Censorship can protect society, but does it also infringe on freedom of speech?
Is Cultural Appropriation Always Wrong?
Cultural appropriation can be offensive, but is it always wrong or is there room for appreciation?
Is It Ethical to Keep Animals in Zoos?
Zoos provide education and conservation, but is it ethical to keep animals in captivity?
Is It Ethical to Use Animals for Entertainment?
Animals are often used for entertainment purposes. Is this ethical, or should it be banned?
Is It Ethical to Use Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare?
Artificial intelligence is being used in healthcare. Is this ethical, or should it be limited?
Is It Ethical to Use Artificial Intelligence in Warfare?
Artificial intelligence is being used in warfare. Is this ethical, or should it be banned?
Is It Possible to Achieve World Peace?
World peace is an ideal goal, but is it realistically achievable?
Is Torture Ever Justifiable?
Torture is a controversial method of interrogation. Is it ever justifiable in extreme situations?
Should Parents Be Held Responsible for Their Children’s Crimes?
Parental responsibility is a hot topic. Should parents be held accountable for their children’s actions?
Should Social Media Be Censored?
With misinformation and hate speech rampant, should social media platforms be more strictly regulated?
Technology and Innovation
Is artificial intelligence a threat to humanity.
AI could revolutionize our world, but does it also pose a threat to humanity?
Is Technology Making Us Smarter or Dumber?
The internet offers unlimited information, but is it making us more intelligent or just more distracted?
Should We Allow Genetic Engineering?
Genetic engineering can cure diseases but also raises ethical questions. Should we allow it?
Should We Allow Artificial Intelligence in Film Production?
Artificial intelligence is used in film production. Should its use be limited to preserve human creativity?
Should We Ban the Use of Facial Recognition Technology?
Facial recognition technology can enhance security but also poses privacy concerns. Should it be banned?
Should We Embrace Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life?
Artificial intelligence is becoming more common. Should we fully embrace it or be cautious?
Should We Regulate the Development of Artificial Intelligence?
The rapid advancement of AI raises ethical concerns. Should its development be regulated?
Is Virtual Reality the Future of Entertainment?
Virtual reality offers immersive experiences. Is it the future of entertainment or just a passing trend?
These 121 debate topics cover a wide range of issues that can stimulate critical thinking and lively discussions. Whether preparing for a debate, writing an essay, or just exploring different perspectives, these topics will help you engage with important issues and develop your argumentative skills. However, it’s still important to know how to select the right debate topics and we’ll cover that next.
How to Select Good Debate Topics
Choosing the right debate topic is crucial for a successful discussion. Follow these tips to select compelling and effective topics:
- Consider Your Audience Think about what interests and concerns your audience. Tailor the topic to their interests and knowledge level.
- Ensure Relevance Choose a topic that is timely and relevant. This keeps the debate engaging and applicable to current issues.
- Aim for Balance Select a topic with clear, opposing viewpoints. This encourages a balanced discussion and strong arguments on both sides.
- Check for Complexity Choose a topic with enough depth to explore. Avoid overly simplistic topics that don’t allow for detailed discussion.
- Look for Controversy Pick a topic with inherent controversy or debate. Controversial topics generate more interest and discussion.
- Ensure Accessibility Ensure that the topic is accessible to your audience. Avoid highly specialized topics that require extensive background knowledge.
- Evaluate the Sources Check for the availability of credible sources. A good topic should have ample research material to support both sides.
- Consider Ethical Implications Avoid topics that are offensive or insensitive. Ensure the topic fosters respectful and constructive discussion.
- Seek Variety Choose topics from different fields. This provides a range of perspectives and keeps debates fresh and interesting.
- Test the Topic Run the topic by a few people first. Their feedback can help you gauge its potential for engagement and debate.
By following these guidelines, you can select debate topics that are engaging, balanced, and thought-provoking.
How to Prepare for a Debate
Preparing for a debate requires careful planning and practice. Follow these steps to ensure you’re ready:
- Understand the Topic Research the topic thoroughly. Know both sides of the argument.
- Gather Evidence Collect facts, statistics, and examples to support your position. Use credible sources.
- Organize Your Arguments Structure your arguments logically. Start with a strong opening, followed by main points, and conclude effectively.
- Anticipate Counterarguments Identify potential counterarguments. Prepare rebuttals to address these opposing views.
- Practice Your Delivery Rehearse your speech. Focus on clarity, tone, and pace.
- Prepare Opening and Closing Statements Craft compelling opening and closing statements. Make a strong first impression and end with impact.
- Practice Organize practice debates. Focus on clarity, tone, and pace to improve their delivery.
- Use Effective Body Language Maintain good posture, eye contact, and gestures. Positive body language enhances your credibility.
- Engage with Your Opponent Listen carefully to your opponent’s arguments. Respond thoughtfully and respectfully.
- Manage Your Time Allocate time for each section of your argument. Avoid speaking too long or too short.
- Stay Calm and Confident Remain composed during the debate. Confidence and calmness help you present your arguments more effectively.
- Review and Revise Review your arguments and evidence. Revise as needed to strengthen your position.
By following these steps, it will help you prepare effectively for a successful debate. Good luck!
Selecting and preparing for debate topics requires careful consideration and effort. By choosing relevant, balanced, and thought-provoking subjects, you set the stage for meaningful discussions. Effective preparation — researching thoroughly, organizing arguments, and practicing delivery — ensures that participants are ready to engage with confidence and clarity.
Debates foster critical thinking, enhance communication skills, and encourage a deeper understanding of complex issues. It doesn’t matter if you are a student or an educator, mastering the art of debate can provide valuable skills for academic and personal growth.
Remember, the key to a successful debate is not just arguing and defending your point of view but also understanding the opposing arguments and addressing them respectfully and thoughtfully.
So, choose your topic, embrace the challenge, stay open-minded, and enjoy the process of exploring diverse viewpoints. Happy debating!
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More Than A Magazine, A Movement
Tim Walz’s DNC Speech Was a Masculinity-Themed Populist Pep Talk
Tim walz’s performance reclaimed patriotism and a confident, yet compassionate, vision of masculinity..
Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz introduced himself to the country with a rousing acceptance speech on the third night of the Democratic National Convention last week in Chicago. Many commentators observed that the energetic 16-minute speech sounded more like a pep talk by “Coach Walz” than a piece of traditional political oratory.
But it was both.
Like many great political speeches, it was a powerful confection of substance and passion. Mario Cuomo famously quipped that successful politicians need to “campaign in poetry” and “govern in prose.” If Walz’s speech was a type of poetry, it had elements of a slam performance. He used blunt, evocative language—as one might expect from a man who’s been a high school teacher, Army master sergeant, football coach and politician.
He knows how to command people’s attention, especially men’s.
In fact, from the moment Walz emerged as Kamala Harris’ choice for VP , people in the chattering classes observed that the national Democratic Party has sorely missed his type of persona and mode of communicating for a very long time.
In particular, his identity as a conventional Midwestern white man who hunts, fishes and was a highly successful football coach might just be the perfect complement to that of his running mate, Kamala Harris, who clearly has formidable political skills of her own. A liberal woman of color from the San Francisco Bay area, Harris needs the votes of working and middle-class white men in the battleground states of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Many of these voters have deserted the Democratic Party in recent decades, in part because they believe the party doesn’t care about people like them. Underlying macroeconomic factors like deindustrialization, automation, rising imports and competition from low-cost countries, and successful conservative attacks on organized labor have all played an important role.
So has the right-wing political info-tainment media complex, which has relentlessly advanced the narrative that Democrats have contempt for average people and their way of life.
This characterization of the Democrats has always been a caricature. While Democratic administrations have been complicit in neoliberal policies such as free-trade that advanced these macroeconomic trends, they have also supported policies that protect working people from the worst impacts of the changing economy.
“Coastal elites” exist in both major parties, but tens of millions of people who vote Democrat are working and middle-class people of all ethnicities and racial identities who struggle like anyone else to make a better life for themselves and their families, and are anything but pretentious snobs.
Until very recently, the Democratic Party has done a poor job of counteracting right-wing propaganda that paints anyone even mildly left of center as either a smug elitist or a totalitarian communist, rather than someone who simply believes that everyone deserves a fair shake, that powerful systems get in the way, and that government has a critical role to play.
Tim Walz’s presence on the Democratic ticket is a symbolically powerful corrective to the cartoonish and distorted perception about Democrats that millions of white voters have been fed for decades via conservative talk radio and Fox News. Many of these voters think Democrats hate white men in particular. Partly because of this perception, 70 percent of high school-educated white men voted for Donald Trump in 2020, over the 28 percent that voted for Joe Biden.
Breaking Down Walz’s Acceptance Speech
The Harris-Walz team is counting on Walz’s communications skills to navigate the fraught cultural politics of (white) masculinity, in the hope of making inroads with this critical group. Both the content and delivery of his DNC speech provide some clues about why he might succeed at this task—which is why I’ve analyzed a number of key lines from the speech.
I grew up in Butte, Nebraska, a town of 400 people. I had 24 kids in my high school class. And none of them went to Yale.
Walz delivered this line near the beginning of his speech to establish: 1) his rural bona fides, and 2) his class credentials. He did this to preempt two of the major lines of right-wing attack against the Democratic Party over the past half-century.
Plutocratic populists have persuaded millions of working people to support political agendas friendly to the wealthy and powerful in part by convincing them that the very people who work hardest to advance the interests of workers and consumers—liberals and progressives—look down on regular people. With his evocation of small-town life and use of a good-natured rib against the Ivy League, Walz, a graduate of public schools and a public university, established his everyman chops and got in a dig at his adversary JD Vance, who has family roots in rural poverty but went on to graduate from Yale Law School and build a career in finance under the sponsorship of uber-wealthy venture capitalists.
But they’re your neighbors. And you look out for them . And they look out for you.
Much commentary about Walz has emphasized his Minnesota niceness. Some have compared him to Ned Flanders from The Simpsons , a caricature of dorky earnestness. By all accounts Walz is genial and approachable, and represents a “positive masculinity” built on commitment to family, community and country.
But listen to the way he speaks. Underneath the “nice guy” vibe is a tough, assertive, take-charge guy. You don’t build a record of success like his in the military, coaching football and politics just by being friendly and lovable.
I proudly wore our nation’s uniform for 24 years.
Walz’s assertion of patriotic pride is part of the stunning effort at the DNC to rebrand the Democrats as the party of patriotism and loyalty to country. The equation of patriotism solely (or primarily) with militarism is something feminists and progressives have long critiqued. But the political benefits of “taking back the flag” are incalculable.
Walz’s statement sets up a stark contrast with Donald Trump and the MAGA movement he leads, a movement of radicals and insurrectionists that has fully taken over the Republican Party and is indifferent at best to the principles of American democracy. Just as important, Walz’s statement reminds people that he has—and will use—the masculine street cred that redounds to men who have worn the uniform.
We ran a 4-4 defense, we played through to the whistle on every play, and we even won a state championship.
This one sentence does the work of reminding people that he was not only a blood and guts football coach, but one who demanded full effort on the part of his players. “Playing through to the whistle” is a football metaphor for all-out, aggressive commitment to the mission. And the fact that many of the now-middle-aged (and all white) players on that championship team appeared on stage at the DNC in their high school football jerseys before Walz spoke was a powerful show of loyalty he earned from the men he led, a tangible testament to his leadership.
They [his players and students] saw in me what I had hoped to instill in them: a commitment to the common good.
One of the great tensions in American life is the never-ending struggle between the masculinist ideology of rugged individualism and a larger (and in binary gender terms, more “feminine”) sense of community and the common good. The brand of masculinity that Walz embodies honors individual effort, but always in service to the group. He rightfully boasted in his speech that as governor of Minnesota, his administration made sure that every kid in the state gets breakfast and lunch every day.
“So while other states were banning books from their schools, we were banishing hunger from ours.”
This commitment to the collective welfare—what is suggested, for example, by the name the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania —doesn’t diminish a man’s stature (or any political leader’s). It enhances it. This stands in stark contrast to the malignant narcissism and “what’s in it for me?” transactionalism of the Trumpian worldview.
I learned how to compromise without compromising my values.
Walz is saying that compromise is not capitulation. This is a strong refutation of the “my-way-or-the-highway” approach associated with ego-driven, hypermasculine, competitive aggression. But it can also be read as a commitment to pragmatism, a preemptive response to either left-wing or “woke” self-righteousness, where compromise is sometimes incorrectly described as “selling out.” It suggests the truism in politics that giving up something to get something is usually a requirement if you actually want to get things done. In fact, the refusal to compromise is a character trait associated with the authoritarian personality, a rather stark contrast to the more collaborative temperament required for democratic governance.
Look, I know guns. I’m a veteran. I’m a hunter, and I was a better shot than most Republicans in Congress, and I’ve got the trophies to prove it. But I’m also a dad. I believe in the Second Amendment, but I also believe our first responsibility is to keep our kids safe.
By invoking his credentials as someone who is comfortable around guns and skilled at using them, he established his standing to argue for restrictions on their access. His gun-friendly credentials also provide a permission structure for men—whether or not they own guns—to argue for greater gun safety restrictions.
Also, by invoking his status as a dad, he offers a reframe about the ways in which parents can protect their children. It’s not just about having powerful firearms at the ready. In fact, you can be an even more effective protector by supporting and enacting policies to make sure those firearms can never fall into the hands of troubled boys or young men.
We’ve got a golden rule: mind your own damn business.
With this one line, delivered firmly and unapologetically, Walz sends a message to men that they shouldn’t shy away from openly supporting reproductive justice. Many pro-choice men are unsure of how forcefully they should enter this women-led debate. Walz gives them a way to do this without needing to articulate the many nuances surrounding the gender politics of this issue. It also aligns directly with the grand strategy in the reproductive justice movement to frame the issue as a matter of freedom from government coercion, which polls show resonates with a strong majority of male voters.
She’s fought on the side of the American people. She’s taken on the predators and fraudsters. She’s taken down the transnational gangs. And she’s stood up to powerful corporate interests. She has never hesitated to reach across that aisle if it meant improving your lives.
Once he had established himself as a powerful, confident man and assertive leader, Walz was ready to pivot to Kamala Harris’ qualities of leadership and why he supports her, helping her to rebuild her identity as a tough prosecutor. Notice the words he used to describe her: she fought ; she’s taken on; she’s taken down; she’s stood up to. This is the language of masculine aggression, spoken about a woman in a tone of respect and admiration from a man who, we already know, is a proven leader of men— and who is clearly impressed, not threatened, by those qualities in his female running mate.
Perhaps more than anything, this is the role that Walz plays on the Democratic ticket. His very presence and persona says to men—including some fairly traditional white men in the Midwestern battleground states—that Kamala Harris is someone they, too, can and should support.
Our job is to get in the trenches and do the blocking and tackling … Look, we’ve got 76 days. That’s nothing. There’ll be time to sleep when you’re dead. We’re gonna leave it on the field.
Walz ended his speech with a flourish that resonated deeply with anyone who’s been in a locker room before a game and heard an impassioned coach’s pep talk. But people who played football, or know the sport well, heard something else as well. Football is a tough, blue-collar sport, but it has a glamorous side. There are star quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, and star receivers like Tyreek Hill and Justin Jefferson.
It’s nowhere near as glamorous for the men “in the trenches,” the offensive linemen and (defensive) linebackers who do the “blocking and tackling.” But anyone who knows football knows that it’s in the trenches where you win or lose football games. In that sense, Walz’s use of a populist football metaphor has special resonance with blue-collar white men. It says to them: “You can retain your identity and be part of a historic movement to elect a Black and Asian American woman president of the United States. We respect you and need you. Let’s get to work!”
By all accounts, Walz’s speech electrified the arena. Many others watching at home reported shouting out in joy. Even some working journalists admitted that they were excited. MSNBC star Rachel Maddow said that at one point everybody at the network’s “mothership” got out of their seats and were “stamping and clapping.”
It seems likely that some of the excitement stems from the ways in which Tim Walz’s performance reclaimed for the Democrats not only patriotism, but also identification with a supremely confident and yet compassionate vision of masculinity.
What remains to be seen, of course, is whether the excitement Walz generates can help Kamala Harris win enough votes—including those of men—to secure the state-by-state majorities she needs to secure 270 electoral votes.
Lessons from the DNC: How Abortion Protects Us From the Choices We Can’t Make
Gun Violence—A Black Feminist Issue: An Excerpt From Roxane Gay’s New Essay, ‘Stand Your Ground’
If Conservatives Want Stronger Marriages, They Should Look to Liberal Solutions
U.S. democracy is at a dangerous inflection point—from the demise of abortion rights, to a lack of pay equity and parental leave, to skyrocketing maternal mortality, and attacks on trans health. Left unchecked, these crises will lead to wider gaps in political participation and representation. For 50 years, Ms . has been forging feminist journalism—reporting, rebelling and truth-telling from the front-lines, championing the Equal Rights Amendment, and centering the stories of those most impacted. With all that’s at stake for equality, we are redoubling our commitment for the next 50 years. In turn, we need your help, Support Ms . today with a donation—any amount that is meaningful to you . For as little as $5 each month , you’ll receive the print magazine along with our e-newsletters, action alerts, and invitations to Ms . Studios events and podcasts . We are grateful for your loyalty and ferocity .
About Jackson Katz
You may also like:, the political life of beyoncé’s ‘freedom’, how kamala harris is changing the 2024 electorate.
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Telegram Becomes Free Speech Flashpoint After Founder’s Arrest
Pavel Durov, the founder of the app, which has more than 900 million users, was taken into custody by the French authorities.
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By Adam Satariano Paul Mozur and Aurelien Breeden
Adam Satariano reported from London, Paul Mozur from Taipei, Taiwan, and Aurelien Breeden from Sigottier, France.
Telegram, founded in 2013 by the Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov, has grown into one of the world’s largest online communication tools and is central to everyday life in countries like Russia, Ukraine and India for messaging, getting independent news and exchanging views.
The company’s growth — it now has more than 900 million users — has been driven partly by a commitment to free speech. Telegram’s light oversight of what people say or do on the platform has helped people living under authoritarian governments communicate and organize. But it has also made the app a haven for disinformation, far-right extremism and other harmful content.
Many were shocked when reports emerged on Saturday across French news media that Mr. Durov had been arrested in France on charges related to the spread of illicit material on the service. A French judicial official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation, confirmed on Sunday evening that Mr. Durov was in police custody. As word spread online over the weekend, news of his detention became a flashpoint in a continuing debate about free speech on the internet.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, which has adopted a similarly hands-off approach to content moderation, posted “#FreePavel” on his X account. “It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme,” he also said.
Leonid Volkov, formerly a top adviser to Aleksei A. Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who died in prison in February, wrote on Telegram that although the platform had become a useful tool for criminals, Mr. Durov should be released. “Durov is not an ‘accomplice’ to the crimes committed by Telegram users,” he said.
The reaction over the news of the arrest showed how concerns about free expression, censorship and government oversight of online content are rising at a time when regulatory scrutiny of speech on the internet around the world has ramped up. National governments, especially those in the European Union, have intensified pressure on companies to address disinformation, online extremism, child safety and the spread of illicit material.
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Elon Musk calls for release of Telegram founder Pavel Durov as arrest sparks debate whether X owner may be next
X owner Elon Musk has sprung to the defense of the founder of controversial messaging app Telegram, calling for the 39-year-old to be released from French custody.
The spectacular arrest of Pavel Durov on the tarmac of Paris’s Le Bourget airport just after his private jet touched down on Saturday elicited an intense debate over where exactly the boundaries of protected free speech end and the rule of law begins.
Durov is being held in France initially without formal charges , but authorities could accuse the Telegram founder of failing to police illegal content and commerce conducted via Telegram.
Musk’s X is likewise in the crosshairs of European policymakers, with the EU Commission recently reminding him of its failure to observe the Digital Services Act that requires large platform owners to systematically clamp down on false and misleading content.
The entrepreneur, who is also CEO of Tesla and SpaceX , called on France to “ free Pavel ,” warning that his arrest signaled dangerous times ahead for democracy.
“The 2nd amendment is the only reason long-term that the 1st amendment will be upheld,” he added , referring to the constitutionally protected rights in the United States to bear arms and exercise free speech.
POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme https://t.co/OkZ6YS3u2P — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 24, 2024
Musk increasingly casts himself as someone trying to stem a rising tide of censorship and government overreach. The X owner, earlier this month, threw a vulgar insult at Brussels for its perceived heavy-handed approach to regulation. (Musk has, as of now, yet to criticize China, the manufacturing hub for half of Tesla cars.)
Chris Pavlovski, CEO of YouTube rival Rumble, used similarly blunt language after claiming to have “safely” departed European soil.
“France has threatened Rumble, and now they have crossed a red line by arresting Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, reportedly for not censoring speech,” he posted on Sunday.
It’s unclear what Pavlovski was doing in Europe, and he did not respond to a request from Fortune for comment.
“What’s next…the arrest of Elon Musk?”
This year has been one of the biggest tests for democracy in recent memory, with elections held in countries comprising more than half the world’s population.
Election integrity has therefore been a major concern across the political spectrum. Regulators like the EU Commission have been particularly sensitive to the risk that hoaxes can spread instantly across social media like Telegram or X where there is little to no oversight or accountability.
In a statement, Telegram countered allegations of presumed wrongdoing by saying Durov had “ nothing to hide ” and claimed the Dubai resident with French citizenship regularly travels to Europe, pushing back against the notion he had only now been arrested after finally stepping on EU soil.
The arrest of Pavel Durov is worrying. Telegram is a secure free speech app. It may have some bad actors, but then all platforms do. What next… the arrest of Elon Musk? — Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) August 25, 2024
Nigel Farage, the head of the populist Reform Party in the U.K. and a close associate of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, conceded that bad apples are common on social media platforms like Telegram.
“The arrest of Pavel Durov is worrying,” he posted . “What next…the arrest of Elon Musk?”
Rumble stands with Telegram. — Chris Pavlovski (@chrispavlovski) August 25, 2024
Alexander Vindman, the retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who testified as a key witness in Trump’s first impeachment, wrote that Durov’s case had broader implications for social media sites like X.
“There’s a growing intolerance for platforming disinfo & malign influence & a growing appetite for accountability,” he wrote . “Musk should be nervous.”
Last month, Musk posted a deepfake video with an AI-generated voiceover of Kamala Harris calling herself a diversity hire and Biden senile. The post didn’t explicitly mention the use of AI in what some argued was a violation of X’s terms of service against manipulating content for the purposes of deception.
Musk later shared a fabricated story purportedly by U.K. daily newspaper the Telegraph reporting that British rioters would be deported to the Falkland Islands, near Argentina. The Tesla CEO quietly deleted the post, which racked up millions of views , after he was called out for distributing disinformation.
“Propaganda isn’t just about creating fake news,” Musk would go on to explain last week, without referring to any specific incident. “It’s also about hiding real news.”
X in financially troubled waters, leaving its banks on the hook
Musk’s stewardship of X is turning into a financial disaster for the entrepreneur. According to internal company figures cited by the New York Times , U.S. revenue in Q2 plunged to $114 million, representing a steep 84% decline over pre-Musk Twitter just two years prior.
Fidelity has taken a massive charge on the value of its private investment in X, while money managers are treating the company’s debt as if it was radioactive. A consortium of banks that underwrote Musk’s October 2022 buyout have been unable to offload nearly $13 billion of leveraged loans still sitting on their book
Tesla investors now fear Musk will liquidate more stock just to keep X afloat.
When reached by Fortune for comment, X replied it was busy. Musk did not respond to a request.
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noun as in discussion of issues; consideration
Strongest matches
argument , contest , controversy , deliberation , dispute , match
Strong matches
agitation , altercation , argumentation , cogitation , contention , controverting , dialectic , disputation , hassle , meditation , mooting , polemic , rebutting , reflection , refuting , tiff , words , wrangle
Weak matches
blah-blah , forensic
verb as in argue, discuss
answer , bicker , consider , contest , deliberate , oppose , question , wrangle
agitate , altercate , bandy , canvass , cogitate , confab , confute , contend , controvert , demonstrate , differ , disprove , dispute , hassle , moot , pettifog , prove , reason , rebut , refute , rehash
bump heads , chew the fat , cross swords , discept , hammer away at , hash over , have at it , kick around , knock around , lock horns , pick a bone , put up argument , set to , talk back , talk game , thrash out , toss around
Example Sentences
I haven’t been doing mock debates very much, but I’ve been just making sure that I understand all that he has said and hasn’t said.
Something that involved public debate and public contribution.
All the while the debate about whether or not you need E-A-T for ranking rages on.
From my view at least, there hasn’t been much of a public debate about it, which reflects the way Italy has handled the pandemic from the start.
There’s still debate as to whether such policies conflict with the 1967 UN Outer Space Treaty.
Throughout the fifties, in city after city, fluoridation became the subject of fierce debate.
Bush busy engaging constituents on both sides of the same-sex marriage debate ahead of the 2004 presidential election.
The debate over who really pulled off the Sony hack, then, could continue indefinitely.
And it must make sure that the platform of debate where we can freely exchange ideas is safe and sound.
They already know the answer, but they know by feigning ignorance they can create all this debate about it.
On the 13th of February the Stamp Act bill was introduced and read for the first time, without debate.
The Cuban debts and the future of the Philippines were really the knotty points in the entire debate.
Congress met, and during the debate on the momentous question—peace or war—the hitherto compact group of intransigents weakened.
He had not started the journey brashly, on impulse, but after debate and discussion with Mandy, his wife.
The decree of accusation was proposed, and carried, without debate, beneath the poniards of uncounted thousands of assassins.
Related Words
Words related to debate are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word debate . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.
verb as in disturb, trouble someone
- push buttons
verb as in discuss, dispute
- expostulate
- remonstrate
verb as in discuss
noun as in verbal fight
- altercation
- bone of contention
- bone to pick
- controversy
- difference of opinion
- disagreement
- falling-out
- knock-down-drag-out
Viewing 5 / 87 related words
When To Use
What are other ways to say debate .
To debate is to interchange formal (usually opposing) arguments, especially on public questions: to debate a proposed amendment. To argue is to present one’s reasons: The scientists argued for a safer testing procedure; it may also imply disputing in an angry or excited way: His parents argue all the time. To discuss is to present varied opinions and views: to discuss ways and means.
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
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Synonyms and antonyms of debate in English
- TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING
Synonyms and examples
See words related to debate, debate | american thesaurus.
Word of the Day
get away from it all
to go somewhere, usually on holiday, where you can completely relax and forget your responsibilities or problems
It’s not really my thing (How to say you don’t like something)
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IMAGES
COMMENTS
Donald Trump speaks during the presidential debate with President Joe Biden in Atlanta on June 27, 2024. Trump said he wants there to be unmuted mics at the upcoming debate with Kamala Harris.
Explore 121 debate topics to ignite discussion. These thought-provoking topics cover education, ethics, technology, and more, perfect for sharpening critical thinking and argumentative skills. Debating is an excellent way for you to sharpen your critical thinking
During his speech to the National Guard, Donald Trump said if reelected president, he would jail people who burned the American flag, promised to create a Space National Guard and attacked ...
"Think Trump on steroids," one said. "It'll be all hands on deck." The stepped-up schedule comes as Trump is also preparing for his September 10 debate with Vice President Kamala Harris ...
The arrest of the Russian-born billionaire founder of Telegram, a messaging app known for its unfiltered content, has sparked debate about freedom of speech and illegal content on the internet. Pavel Durov, 39, was detained at Paris's Bourget Airport Saturday on an arrest warrant related to ...
Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz introduced himself to the country with a rousing acceptance speech on the third night of the Democratic National Convention last week in Chicago. Many commentators observed that the energetic 16-minute speech sounded more like a pep talk by "Coach Walz" than a piece of traditional political oratory.
As word spread online over the weekend, news of his detention became a flashpoint in a continuing debate about free speech on the internet. Elon Musk, the owner of X, which has adopted a similarly ...
The arrest of Pavel Durov is worrying. Telegram is a secure free speech app. It may have some bad actors, but then all platforms do. What next… the arrest of Elon Musk?
Find 83 different ways to say DEBATE, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.
Synonyms for debate include discussion, discourse, dialog, dialogue, parley, talk, conversation, argumentation, talks and colloquy. Find more similar words at ...
Synonyms for DEBATE: consideration, deliberation, study, thought, account, reflection, advisement, contemplation; Antonyms of DEBATE: short shrift, agreement ...
Another way to say Debate? Synonyms for Debate (other words and phrases for Debate).
DEBATE - Synonyms, related words and examples | Cambridge English Thesaurus
Related terms for debate- synonyms, antonyms and sentences with debate
National Speech & Debate Association: Speech and debate GloSSary 4 Speech anD Debate GloSSary SPEECH TERMINOLOGY Blocking: movements made during a performance. Category: another word for "event," referring to a specific contest, such as Original Oratory or Duo Interpretation. Cut (or cutting): to take only selected sections from a literary
Synonyms for debating include declamation, elocution, speechmaking, diction, speechifying, speech, speaking, discussion, rhetoric and eloquence. Find more similar ...
Synonyms for Speech and Debate in Free Thesaurus. Antonyms for Speech and Debate. 79 synonyms for debate: discussion, talk, argument, dispute, analysis, conversation, consideration, controversy, dialogue, contention, deliberation, polemic.... What are synonyms for Speech and Debate?
Another way to say Debates? Synonyms for Debates (other words and phrases for Debates).
Enter a word, phrase, description, or pattern above to find synonyms, related words, and more. CivicSearch preview: Search U.S. local government meetings . Synonyms and related words for debate from OneLook Thesaurus, a powerful English thesaurus and brainstorming tool that lets you describe what you're looking for in plain terms.
debate: 1 n a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal Synonyms: argument , argumentation Types: logomachy argument about words or the meaning of words Type of: discussion , give-and-take , word an exchange of views on some topic n the formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition ...
Another way to say Debate? Synonyms for Debate (related to argument).
Synonyms for DEBATING: pondering, contemplating, considering, studying, questioning, entertaining, weighing, eying; Antonyms of DEBATING: ignoring, disregarding ...
Synonyms for debate in Free Thesaurus. Antonyms for debate. 79 synonyms for debate: discussion, talk, argument, dispute, analysis, conversation, consideration ...
debate: [noun] a contention by words or arguments : such as. the formal discussion of a motion (see 1motion 3a) before a deliberative body according to the rules of parliamentary procedure. a regulated discussion of a proposition (see 1proposition 1b) between two matched sides.
Circumambages is a plural noun that applies to instances of indirectness or deviousness in speaking or writing. This synonym of the plural circumlocutions is not often encountered in current English, but it makes its rounds. Both words are formed from Latin circum-, meaning "around" or "about." Circumambages began circulating during the 17th ...
Another way to say Words? Synonyms for Words (related to debate).
Synonyms for DEBATES: deliberations, considerations, studies, thoughts, accounts, reflections, contemplations, advisements; Antonyms of DEBATES: short shrifts ...
Another way to say Debate? Synonyms for Debate (adjectives).
The debate in Congress over the issue of voting machines continues. synonyms: deliberation, disputation similar words: argument, controversy, disagreement, discussion, dispute: definition 2: a formal, structured, and usu. public contest in which two speakers, or two teams of speakers, argue opposing viewpoints on a specific proposition.
Synonyms for DEBATE: argue, contend, moot, dispute, discuss, controvert, contest, consider; Antonyms for DEBATE: agree, concur, concede. See syn. study at discuss ...